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Phd Software Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Software Engineer

Englewood, CO · On-site

$85K - $152K/yr

Degree (Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD) in Computer Engineering or Computer Science * Proficient in modern software engineering practices for testability and readability * Proficient in C++ and Python ...

Senior software engineer

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$120K - $159K/yr

Bachelor's degree in STEM field * 5+ years experience (BS) OR 3+ years (MS) OR 1+ year (PhD ... Software Engineer to support an Internal Research & Development (IRAD) program within the Missile ...

We are looking for a versatile, curious, and energetic Software Engineer - Senior Consultant level ... Masters, MBA, JD, MD) or 2 years of work experience with a PhD Preferred Qualifications: * 9 or ...

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Phd Software Engineer information

See Colorado salary details

$66.8K

$155.1K

$216.1K

How much do phd software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for phd software engineer in Colorado is $155,124.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $126,200.00 and $181,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a PhD Software Engineer?

A PhD Software Engineer is a professional who has completed a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree specializing in computer science, software engineering, or a related field, and works in designing, developing, and optimizing software systems. They often engage in advanced research, develop innovative algorithms, and solve complex technical problems. Their expertise is typically utilized in roles that require deep technical knowledge, research skills, and the ability to push the boundaries of current technology. PhD Software Engineers are commonly found in academia, research institutions, and leading technology companies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PhD Software Engineer, and why are they important?

A PhD Software Engineer requires advanced programming expertise, strong analytical and research skills, and typically a doctorate in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with specialized programming languages, version control systems like Git, and experience with research-oriented software tools are common technical requirements. Exceptional problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help bridge the gap between research and practical application. These abilities are crucial for driving innovation, translating complex theories into scalable solutions, and contributing to cutting-edge technology projects.

How does having a PhD impact the daily responsibilities and project involvement of a Software Engineer?

As a PhD Software Engineer, you are often entrusted with tackling complex problems and leading research-driven projects that require advanced analytical and technical skills. Your daily work may involve designing novel algorithms, conducting experiments, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams such as data scientists and product managers. Additionally, you might mentor junior engineers and help shape the technical direction of your team. This role leverages your research background to bridge the gap between academic innovation and practical software solutions.
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Phd Software Engineer jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Phd Software Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Phd Software Engineer job openings in Colorado as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $155,124 per year, or $74.6 per hour.
Software Engineer - Level 3 or 4

Software Engineer - Level 3 or 4

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Boulder, CO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 337 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

104th of 516 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Space Systems, Multi-Domain Operations, and Missile Defense Integration Business Unit (BU) has an exciting career opportunity for a Software Engineer - Level 3 or 4 supporting an Internal Research and Development (IRAD) project to join our team of qualified, diverse, and innovative individuals located in Boulder, CO.
Position Overview:
As a Software Engineer - Level 3 or Level 4, on an Internal Research and Development (IRAD) team, you will work in a collaborative environment to understand system requirements and create and implement new capabilities and algorithms. Many of the algorithms and capabilities implemented by the team will be mathematics and physics intensive complex solutions that will be highly critical to the system performance. In addition to software development you will also be expected to support reviews of requirements and test cases that are developed for software capability. This IRAD effort is looking to staff over 100 new engineers and will be leveraging new and existing technologies to build fire control systems from the ground up.
Essential Functions:
  • Write and test high performing code in an agile environment to support new features and products to support a Fire Control Mission.
  • Ensure the performance, security, and scalability of the application.
  • Collaborate with cross functional teams including frontend developers, Subject Matter Experts, and Systems Engineering teams.
  • Write well-documented, testable code following best practices.
  • Lead and perform code reviews.
  • Contribute to architectural decisions and the overall design of the system.

Seeking candidates who find satisfaction in working on challenging and diverse assignments in collaborative settings across all levels.
This requisition may be filled at a higher level based on qualifications listed below.
Basic Qualifications:
This requisition may be filled at either a Software Engineer - Level 3 or a Software Engineer - Level 4.
Basic Qualifications for Software Engineer Level 3 or Level 4:
  • Software Engineer - Level 3: Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline preferred from an accredited university and 5 years of related work experience, or a Master's Degree and 3 years of related work experience, or 1 year of related work experience with a PhD.
  • Software Engineer - Level 4: Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline preferred from an accredited university and 8 years of related work experience, or a Master's Degree and 6 years of related work experience, or 4 years of related work experience with a PhD.
  • Applicants must have a current, active in-scope DoD-issued Secret security clearance at the time of application, which is required to start
  • Ability and willingness to travel up to 10% to support business needs
  • Recent and extensive experience developing software in C++
  • Quick to learn and absorb new concepts and information
  • Unix/Linux Operating System Experience
  • Experience with Software Change Control, Change Management, Code Quality, Static Analysis, and CI/CD tools such as: Atlassian tool suite, Jira, GitHub, GitLab, SonarQube, Coverity, and Jenkins.
  • Must be able to support an in-person / closed-area work environment

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Highly experienced with Linux, scripting, and operations
  • Very experienced implementing complex mathematical algorithms in code
  • Experience with Python
  • Experience with Google Protocol Buffers
  • Experience with Kubernetes or other container technologies
  • Experience with automated software requirements, testing and analysis
  • Experience with Behavior Driven Development (BDD) using tools like Gherkin and Cucumber for automated acceptance testing
  • Experience with battle management and/or fire control systems
  • Experience developing software in a Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) environment.
  • Solid background in math and physics
  • Advanced degree in Mathematics or Physics or Computer Science

Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939